Sony and Panasonic announced a partnership to develop OLED technology and production methods in June 2012, but the partnership has now ended, sources tell the Wall Street Journal.
Update: Nikkei chimes in and confirms the story. They say that Sony and Panasonic were unable to make production cost effective, and that they will instead focus on 4K TVs in the near term.
Japanese OLED partnership has ended
The two Japanese manufacturers have been trying to compete with the South Koreans TV makers who are leading in OLED technology. In January 2013, Panasonic and Sony both exhibited 4K OLED TV prototypes - the world's first.
Panasonic's 4K OLED TV prototype as exhibited at CES 2013
The partners were focused on developing a print production method for OLED displays. It appeared that they were successful, but the partnership has now been called off, sources tell Wall Street Journal. There is no explanation for the break-up in WSJ's article.
The source says that the companies may start cooperating again at a later point, but it seems unlikely based on the current situation. It is also possible that the companies will continue separately. Panasonic said in September 2013 that their latest OLED prototype was produced without Sony's involvement.
- Source: WSJ
Sony & Panasonic end OLED partnership, says WSJ
